Despite struggling oil and resource prices and weekly announcements of job losses, today’s Speech from the Throne shows the Sask. Party has no real plan to create jobs, diversify the economy or invest in hospitals, our children’s classrooms, and the services Saskatchewan people rely on.

Standing with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reversed course today and moved to include workers in Southern Saskatchewan in the extended employment insurance benefits announced to other regions in the recent federal budget.

"This is victory that is shared by hard working people across the province but it's no coincidence that the Prime Minister chose to make this announcement with Premier Notley in Alberta and not here," said NDP Jobs Critic Warren McCall. "Premier Wall sent an angry tweet following the budget but refused to engage in a way that would bring assistance to the families in Southern Saskatchewan who had been excluded from receiving these much-needed benefits.”

Saskatchewan currently has 9,400 fewer full time jobs than it did at this time last year according to recent numbers released by Statistics Canada.

Educational services was among the sectors worst hit as it saw 5,200 fewer jobs year over year – a stat that is very concerning to NDP jobs critic Warren McCall who said that education is among the last places Saskatchewan families should see job losses in.

Like all Saskatchewan people, I’m saddened by the destruction and loss caused by the forest fire in Fort McMurray and I know that all Saskatchewan people are keeping the residents of Fort McMurray in their thoughts and prayers.

I’m struck by the harrowing stories of families rushing to leave with nothing more than the clothes on their back. The pictures and video from the evacuation are truly terrifying. But I’m also struck by the resolve and generosity of the residents taking care of each other, sharing supplies, and opening their homes to evacuees.

Even with a looming auditor’s investigation, calls for a judicial inquiry, a lawsuit, and the involvement of the RCMP, the Sask. Party is still doing all they can to hide the facts of the GTH Land Scandal.